Tony Stewart’s NASCAR Exit Fails to Jeopardize Ex-SHR Driver’s Future as He Rubbishes ‘Lost Season’ Narrative

Tony Stewart’s impact on NASCAR is undeniable. From his days as a fierce competitor to his role as a team owner, Stewart helped shape the sport. Yet, after his team, Stewart-Haas Racing shut down, there was a shadow of doubt over its drivers, particularly Ryan Preece. Although Preece secured a position in RFK Racing, questions remain about his time at Stewart-Haas Racing and whether it was a wasted opportunity. With Tony Stewart’s exit and SHR shutting down, many assumed Preece’s career had stalled. But the 34-year-old driver refuses to see it that way.

Instead, he believes his time with SHR was a season of growth rather than a lost cause.

Ryan Preece reflects on his 2024 season

The shutdown of Stewart-Haas Racing marked the end of an era in NASCAR. The organization had been a dominant force, winning championships with Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick. But in 2024, as SHR prepared to close its doors, Preece and his teammates had to face the reality of an uncertain future. Despite the turmoil, Preece does not view 2024 as a lost season. In a candid conversation with Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass Preece reflected on SHR’s last season.

“No, no, I actually feel like last year was a season of more building than most people know. There were so many highs and, or really a lot of really lows, but how we ended, you know, I felt like the final 12 or so races we trended in a better direction… In a moment where everything seemed like it was closing, I felt like our group kept pushing. So, you know, carry that same attitude and continue on and keep building. Keep making yourself better,” said Preece.

While Ryan Preece considers 2024 as a learning year, his numbers reflect struggles. He finished 26th in the final standings with just one top-five and five top-10 finishes. His average finish was 20.89, and he led only two laps all year. While these numbers do not scream success, Preece believes they don’t tell the full story. Notably, SHR struggled as a whole, with only Chase Briscoe making the playoffs. The team’s decline was evident, and Preece was simply a victim of circumstance.

Interestingly, Preece’s positive outlook contrasts with the way SHR handled his final months with the team. In multiple instances, he was left out of key team activities. One notable moment came when released a farewell video for its Cup Series operation. The video had three departing drivers calling them friends, Preece was noticeably absent. This wasn’t the first time he had been excluded.

Earlier in the year, he discovered that Briscoe, Josh Berry, and Noah Gragson had formed a study group to improve their performance. Preece had never been informed about it. When he found out through social media, he responded with an “unaware” emoji. It was an unfortunate situation that only worsened as the season went on. By the end of 2024, it was clear that Preece was not considered part of SHR’s plans.

However, his move to RFK Racing is an opportunity to reset and compete at a higher level. He will be partnering with Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher as teammates. His long-time sponsor Kroger will also be there. With these changes, Preece will be keen to deliver. In his maiden outing with the team at Bowman Gray Clash he finished 11th. This result might not have turned heads, but it was an important step in his fresh start.

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Blaney Warns About Preece’s Aggressive Driving

While Ryan Preece struggled to keep himself in the front row at SHR his driving style is what resonates with his ex-boss Tony Stewart. His aggressive style has also drawn comparisons to NASCAR veteran Ryan Newman, who was known for being nearly impossible to move on the track. As his no-nonsense approach has made him a tough competitor fellow drivers are beginning to take notice.

During a recent episode of the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Ryan Blaney spoke about Preece’s driving style. He said, “If you take an inch on him, he is going to take a foot the next time he gets to you. It’s not like, ‘You get me, I’m gonna get you back double.’ It’s like, ‘I’m gonna get you back tenfold.'”

Notably, Preece has proven that he is willing to go to battle on the racetrack. At the 2023 Bristol Dirt Race, he was involved in multiple incidents with Kyle Busch. His aggressive driving at Pocono led to a heated moment with Corey LaJoie on pit road. And in the 2025 Clash at Bowman Gray, he once again found himself in the middle of crashes and clashes. He simply refuses to back down, no matter who he is racing against.

As the 2025 season begins, all eyes will be on Preece. He has a lot to prove, and his driving style ensures that he will not go unnoticed. Whether he becomes a playoff contender or remains a thorn in the side of his competitors, one thing is certain — Ryan Preece isn’t here to make friends. He is here to win.